Chinese New Year is a celebration for one fifths of the world’s population. This is the Year of the Pig. Kangaroo Kids students had the good fortune to celebrate with their Chinese Language teacher Cynthia Yu.
Preschoolers through Kindergarten children at Kangaroo Kids Child Care and Learning Center have weekly lessons in Mandarin Chinese from Cynthia as a part of their regular curriculum.
As a part of the celebration the Kindergarten Class create their own masks, lanterns and decorations and then performed a typical Chinese New Year Parade as they dance and sang Chinese songs through the entire school. They learned “Xinnian Kuaile” which translated means “Happy New Year.” Children also learned about the Chinese Culture and landmarks like the Great Wall of China.
Kangaroo Kids children had opportunity to experiment while working on their fine motor skills with chop sticks as they consumed homemade dumplings that Cynthia brought to school. They also read Chinese stories, heard traditional Chinese music, and tried on authentic Chinese outfits. Finally they received a special red envelop from Miss Cynthia. The color red is believed to be a festive color that brings good fortune and is regarded by Chinese people as the symbol of energy, happiness and good luck.
Cynthia Yu holds a B.A degree, and has had formal music training in New York City and New Jersey. She is also a certified teacher and has more than fifteen years of teaching. For further information about Kangaroo Kids Chinese program call 908-231-7800 or email the school at staff@kangarookidschildcare.com.
